Pergola Help?

Here is the top of what I wanting to do, I am just drawing a blank on how to attach the top 2×6 to the bottom joist underneath. Of course this will be outside and I am a stickler for details on how everything will look. I guess I could toenail 2 ss screws into the sides of the 2×6, but that has me worried about how long it will hold and resist twisting etc.. What would you do and what would look the best?

21 replies so far

Strongtie has several hold down clips that could work. To minimize there appearance I’d install on the back side of the outside beam first before installing the inside beam. I’ve done similar and if I find the photo I’ll post it.Just pan down this sites page and you’ll see several styles.http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/H.asp

Well knot HeadThere is another type clip that come in left and right hand types there smaller than the first one on the page that Bob sent a link to and in my area they meet code in my area. They are down the page a little there h 2.5 and h2.5a in Bobs link.

Any visible hardware straps will take away from the look of the pergola imo. Making it look more like the underside of your deck! I’d stick with notching the 2×6’s at joint locations then toe screw, or just 2 toe screws.

-- "The way to make a small fortune in woodworking- start with a large one"

Some folks just toe nail a deck screw on each side. But if you have codes in your area you better check because the h2.5s meet code and screws don’t in my area. The reason they want hurricane clips is because strong winds can lift the end of your roof knocking the whole thing down.

You can get log home type screws up to 10” long, called “Timber Tech” IIRC from McFeely’s. A 5/16” nut driver in an impact driver and away ya go, some woods don’t require a pilot hole even. To be safe, I’d probably run a long 3/16” bell hanger type bit at least part way thru for a guide pilot.

The screws are either blk. epoxy coated or SS….SS is REALLY pricey tho’.